Introduction
Data science is among the best-paying and most sought-after professions today. Organisations in various industries—finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and AI development—are looking for data experts to assist them in making sense of large volumes of data.
With the increasing demand, many professionals are keen on making a switch to data science, but one big question mark is:
How expensive is a data science course, and how long does it last?
The cost of data science courses depends on the course type, institution, and learning mode. Whether you opt for a degree, certification, or online training, this handbook gives you an in-depth comparison of costs, duration, and career effect to enable you to make the best choice.
Why Investing in a Data Science Course is a Wise Career Choice
Before exploring the costs and duration of different data science programs, it’s important to understand the return on investment (ROI) of such courses.
1. High Salary Potential
According to LinkedIn and Glassdoor, here’s the typical salary range for data professionals in India:
- Entry-level Data Scientist: ₹6 – ₹10 LPA
- Mid-level Data Scientist: ₹10 – ₹20 LPA
- Senior Data Scientist: ₹20 LPA+
Globally, experienced data scientists can earn over $100,000 per year.
2. Career Development & Job Security
Data science careers have grown 650% since 2012. Data science and AI are ranked two of the five fastest-growing careers by the World Economic Forum.
3. Career Adaptability & Industry-Wide Demand
With a data science certification, you can get into:
✔️ Finance & Banking (Risk Analysis, Fraud Detection)
✔️ Healthcare & Biotech (Medical Predictions, Drug Discovery)
✔️ Retail & E-commerce (Customer Analytics, Personalisation)
✔️ Technology & AI (Machine Learning, Deep Learning)
This makes pursuing a structured, industry-accepted course a necessity to boost your career opportunities.
Types of Data Science Courses & Their Costs
There are various entry points to data science, each with varying degrees of depth, industry applicability, and career prospects. The below details covers eveything from data science training fees, course duration for data science programs
1. Undergraduate Programs (B.Sc, B.Tech in Data Science)
Undergraduate is best suited for students interested in a firm academic background in statistics, AI, and machine learning.
Course Duration
- B.Sc in Data Science – 3 Years
- B.Tech in Data Science – 4 Years
Course Fees
- Public universities: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 per annum
- Private universities: ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per annum
2. Postgraduate Programs (M.Sc, M.Tech in Data Science)
Postgraduate training enables professionals to specialize in cutting-edge AI, big data, and analytics.
Course Duration
- M.Sc in Data Science – 2 Years
- M.Tech in Data Science – 2 Years
Course Fees
₹1,50,000 – ₹8,00,000 per year
3. Certification Programs & Bootcamps
For those looking for quick upskilling, certification programs offer practical, hands-on training in Python, SQL, ML, and AI.
Course Duration
- Bootcamps – 3 to 6 months
- Diploma & Certification Programs – 6 to 12 months
Course Fees
₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
A Smart Alternative: Postgraduate Program in Data Science & Analytics by Imarticus Learning
For working professionals seeking organised, practical training without having to pursue a full-time M.Sc or M.Tech, Imarticus Learning’s Postgraduate Program in Data Science & Analytics is an excellent choice.
✔️ Duration: 6-12 months
✔️ Mode: Instructor-led online training
✔️ Curriculum: Python, SQL, ML, AI, Big Data, and Analytics
✔️ Placement Assistance: Yes (Career-focused training with career guidance)
✔️ Suitable for: Working professionals & graduates who want to pivot into data science
As opposed to a conventional postgraduate qualification, this certification course is based on practical projects, industry expert mentorship, and career guidance, which makes it a great fit for methodical yet lenient studying.
Data Scientist vs Data Analyst – Which Is Right For You? (2025)
FAQs
1. What is the best job placement data science course?
The Imarticus Learning Postgraduate Program in Data Science & Analytics is a solid option with hands-on projects, mentorship, and placement assistance.
2. Can I switch to data science from a non-technical background?
Yes! A number of programs start with teaching Python, SQL, and machine learning from the ground up, so it’s suitable for non-IT folks.
3. Which programming languages are best for data science?
✔️ Python – Used the most for machine learning and AI
✔️ SQL – Must for database management
✔️ R – Ideal for statistical analysis
✔️ Java & Scala – Applied in big data frameworks
4. Is remote work possible as a data scientist?
Yes, data science work has great scope for remote working, particularly for data analyst, machine learning engineer, and AI researcher.
5. What are the opportunities for career development after taking a course in data science?
After gaining experience, you can shift to:
✔️ Senior Data Scientist
✔️ Machine Learning Engineer
✔️ AI Researcher
✔️ Data Science Manager
✔️ Chief Data Officer (CDO)
6. How do I know whether a data science course is valid?
Before signing up, verify for:
✅ Accreditation – Industry and university recognition
✅ Placement Support – Career guidance and job placement
✅ Real-World Projects – Case studies and hands-on experience
✅ Instructor Credentials – Trainers with industry experience
7. Will AI replace data scientists?
No. Although AI can automate certain tasks, human expertise is needed for data interpretation, model training, and ethical decision-making.
8. Is it better to do an online course or a full-time degree?
It is based on your career aspirations. Online certification courses such as Imarticus Learning’s Postgraduate Program in Data Science are great for fast upskilling and job preparation, whereas M.Sc or M.Tech degrees are more suited for long-term academic development.
Key Takeaways
- Data science course duration and fees differ according to program type (degree, certification, online).
- Postgraduate courses such as M.Sc, M.Tech, or higher-level certifications provide systematic learning and career development.
- Certification programs such as the Postgraduate Program in Data Science & Analytics by Imarticus Learning offer quicker, job-suitable skills with practical projects and placement assistance.
Interested in becoming a data science professional without devoting 2+ years to a degree? Explore the Postgraduate Program in Data Science & Analytics for masterclass training, live projects, and placement guidance!